SOCAR set to take over BTC pipeline operations in July, bp confirms

The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) will become the operator of the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline from July 1, bp’s Regional President for Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye, Gio Christofoli, told journalists, according to local media.

“The process of transferring the operation of the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan (BTC) oil pipeline to SOCAR is proceeding on schedule. In accordance with contractual obligations, the transfer of operatorship is to be completed on July 1, and the process is moving forward as planned,” he stated.

The bp representative stressed that this step does not indicate bp’s withdrawal from the project.

“This is simply the fulfillment of a contractual obligation. SOCAR has sufficient experience and capability to successfully manage the pipeline. We are very optimistic about this transition process,” Christofoli added.

The Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline is a major crude oil export route that transports oil from the Caspian Sea region through Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye to the Mediterranean port of Ceyhan

It was developed to provide a strategic export corridor for Caspian oil, offering an alternative route that bypasses both Russia and Iran, significantly enhancing regional energy security and diversification.

By Jeyhun Aghazada